Renowned Mandolin exponent Uppalapu Srinivas died here today following a liver-related illnes at the age of 45.
A recipient of various awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri, Srinivas, popularly known as 'Mandolin' Srinivas, breathed his last at a private hospital here this morning.
Expressing grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended his dedication and said the musician will always be remembered.
"The PM recalled the Mandolin Maestro's dedication & long-standing contribution towards music & added that he will always be remembered," Modi's official Twitter handle, @PMOIndia said.
In a series of tweets on the micro-blogging site, Modi expressed grief over the passing away of the "renowned musician."
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa credited Srinivas with introducing the musical instrument of Mandolin to the people.
Paying rich tributes to Srinivas, she said he was born in a family of musicians and after introducing the musical instrument to the people, won their hearts with his rendition.
"His demise is a big loss to the world of Carnatic music. None can fill the void created by his passing away," she said in a statement.
Governor K Rosaiah described Srinivas as an "accomplished" Mandolin artiste who brought fame to India.
"The clutches of death has snatched away the life of a great artiste at an early age. The death of Mandolin Srinivas has left a void and the carnatic Music world has lost a genius," he said in a Raj Bhavan statement, conveying his condolences to the bereaved family and his fans.
A recipient of various awards and accolades including Padmashri and Sangeetha Ratna, Srinivas gave his first public performance at the age of nine.
A child prodigy, who grew into a much sought after personality among fans, Srinivas used to play an electric mandolin, and had collaborated with several global artistes including John McLaughlin and Michael Nyman.
Srinivas was a follower and devotee of Sathya Sai Baba and had performed before him on several occasions.
The film industry grieved the death of the mandolin player.
"Emotionally shaken to hear of Carnatic shining star Mandolin Shrinivasji's demise.. May God bless him with happiness in the next world," Oscar-winning music director A R Rahman said.
Another Oscar-winning technician, Resul Pookutty, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and many others condoled the death on social platforms.
